Shaheen’s health condition is crucial to Pakistan’s T20 World Cup challenge

Web Desk(LTN News): At the Twenty20 World Cup in Australia, Pakistan, a former champion, will rely on pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi to be at his destructive best.

After overcoming a right knee injury sustained in the first Test against Sri Lanka in July, the 22-year-old was permitted to join the team on Tuesday.

He missed the tri-series this week in New Zealand, the Twenty20 series against England, and the Asia Cup.

After a lengthy time of rehabilitation in London, the tall left-arm fast bowler will depart for Australia. He will play two warm-up matches in Brisbane the following week to restore his rhythm, the first of which is against England on Monday.

In order to be ready for their eye-popping opening encounter against India at the expansive Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 23, which is predicted to draw 90,000 fans, Pakistan will play a final warm-up match against Afghanistan on the following Wednesday.

In the T20 World Cup in Dubai last year, Shaheen destroyed India’s top order by removing Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Virat Kohli, finishing with scores of 3-31 as Pakistan cruised to a 10-wicket triumph.

Pakistan advanced to the semifinals, where they were defeated by eventual champions Australia, thanks to their first-ever World Cup victory over India.

According to captain Babar Azam, “He has healed nicely, and we are certain that he will be at his best come the India game.”

“Shaheen leads our strong fast bowling attack for us.”

Fakhar Zaman, a top-order batsman who made 55 runs unbeaten against Australia in last year’s semi-final, is also making progress after suffering a knee injury.

The nation’s cricket body announced on Tuesday that Zaman, one of the three travelling reserves for the T20 World Cup, would accompany Shaheen to Brisbane to finish his recovery.

‘ENJOYED REHABILITATION PROGRAM’

At the T20 World Cup, Afridi stated he is eager to unleash a few thunderbolts and appreciated the PCB Medical Team for their assistance during the trying time.

“Despite being a demanding and difficult rehabilitation programme, I have greatly loved it. To be completely honest, I feel more physically strong than ever and cannot wait to don the playing attire and unleash a few thunderbolts “he added

Notably, despite concerns over his fitness, Pakistan named Shaheen Afridi to their 15-man roster for the T20 World Cup.

Afridi is expected to play a significant role for Pakistan at the World Cup in Australia, according to PCB chairman Ramiz Raja, who spoke to the left-arm bowler recently.

Pakistan are currently featuring in a T20I tri-series in New Zealand involving the hosts and Bangladesh.